c.1974 Triumph Trident Metisse
Rickman framed cafe racer

Registration No: Q92 REU
Frame No: SABTVR03720113160
Engine No: NK 44835
CC: 850
MOT: None

• Metisse framed, Trident engined cafe racer
• Norman Hyde 850cc top end and camshaft
• Marzocchi suspension and Spondon calipers

Rickman Motorcycles was independent motorcycle chassis constructor established by brothers Derek and Don Rickman in the late 1950s. Both successful scrambles riders, they initially made frames for their own use but before long their competitors realised how much better the brothers’ bikes handled and limited production was set up to build more for sale. Initially, the frame designs were for off-road scrambles and track racing but by 1966 frame kits for road bikes were being designed as well. The first street-legal bike used a Triumph Bonneville engine with Rickman only being able to supply frame kits to the public as no major motorcycle manufacturers would sell engines separately. The kits were built to take many engines including Triumph, BSA and Matchless and by the 1970s they began selling chassis kits for Japanese bikes like the Honda CB750 and Kawasaki Z1. The road bikes were the first to use disc brakes both front and rear, a joint project with Lockheed. Because of the 'cross breed' approach to making complete bikes the Rickman brothers decided to call their first bike the 'Mongrol', but quickly decided the French translation 'Metisse' sounded a bit classier.

This stunning-looking bike is built around a c.1974 Triumph Trident three-cylinder engine fitted with a Norman Hyde 850cc big bore kit and cams. Originally built as a race bike and used up to the late 1980s, it was converted for road use and registered in 1991. The bodywork is finished in British Racing Green and the frame and the box section swinging arm are nickel plated in true Metisse style. The front forks and rear shocks are Italian Marzocchis and the front disc brakes are provided by Spondon together with a conical rear hub mounted in alloy rims. The bike is finished off with Laverda-style adjustable handlebars, a half fairing and a bespoke 3 into 1 exhaust system and is supplied with receipts for the engine work and a current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189